Sensorized Hub Carrier With Spokes for Wheel Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for measuring forces and moments acting on vehicle wheel hubs are inaccurate and unable to effectively measure forces resulting from braking actions, with limitations in signal transmission from rotating wheels and insufficient accuracy in deformation sensor measurements.
Innovation Solution
A hub carrier with a central part for carrying the wheel hub, an outer frame for connecting to the vehicle suspension, and at least three spokes with sliding spherical hinges and integrated sensors to accurately measure force and moment components acting on the hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deformation sensors are mounted on housing connections to measure forces and moments, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy and efficacy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastic elements as intermediary components between the hub carrier and the measurement system. These elastic elements deform under applied forces and moments, and this deformation is measured by sensors to calculate the forces and moments acting on the hub. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate measurement while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical force measurement with a system that measures elastic element deformation and calculates forces and moments through computational methods. This substitution of mechanical measurement with deformation-based measurement and calculation improves accuracy while reducing the complexity of direct force sensing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If wireless sensors with batteries are used on rotating wheels to transmit signals, then signal transmission is enabled, but device complexity and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the rotating wheel assembly and places it in the stationary hub carrier. By measuring forces and moments at the hub carrier where elastic elements deform, the system eliminates the need for wireless sensors and batteries on rotating wheels, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If wheel angular position is continuously measured to define references for measured forces, then force measurement reference is provided, but measurement complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement reference system from continuous angular position sensing and embeds it in the geometric configuration of the elastic elements and hub carrier. The natural deformation patterns of the elastic elements under different loading conditions provide inherent reference information, eliminating the need for continuous angular position measurement and reducing energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hub carrier provides accurate measurement of forces and moments acting on the wheel hub, enhancing the development of control systems for active safety, particularly in self-driving and connected vehicles, while also improving structural safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a force and torque sensor comprising a first piece connected to a first solid body and a second piece connected to a second solid body, which pieces are connected by three elastic elements
Implementation Method 2
respective end elements connected to the outer frame which provide respective sliding spherical hinges for the at least three spokes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a hub carrier (101) comprising: a central part (103) for carrying a hub (100) for a wheel of a vehicle; an outer frame (104) adapted to connect the hub carrier (101) to a suspension of the vehicle; at least three spokes (107) interposed between the central part (103) and the outer frame (104), the at least three spokes (107) being rigidly connected to the central part (103), the at least three spokes (107) comprising respective end elements (109) connected to the outer frame (104) and providing respective sliding spherical hinges for the at least three spokes (107); the hub carrier (101) further comprising at least three sensors (201) configured for detecting force and/or moment components acting on the hub (100).